Artificial intelligence has been part of the workplace for years, but the arrival of ChatGPT over two years ago sparked a dramatic surge in its presence. Today, U.S. workers are wrestling with mixed emotions about what this technology means for their jobs, according to a recent Pew Research Center survey. While some see potential, the prevailing mood is one of concern rather than optimism.
The survey, conducted from October 7-13, 2024, polled 5,273 employed U.S. adults and found that worry outweighs hope. A little over half (52%) expressed anxiety about AI’s future role in the workplace, while only 36% felt hopeful. Meanwhile, 33% admitted to feeling overwhelmed, and just 29% were excited. For many, AI raises more questions than it answers—particularly about job security. About one-third (32%) believe it will shrink their job opportunities over time, compared to a mere 6% who think it will create more openings. Another 31% expect little change, while 13% remain unsure.
AI Use: Still a Minority Experience
Despite the buzz, AI isn’t yet a daily reality for most workers. Only 16% report using it for at least some of their tasks, with just 2% saying it handles most or all of their work. The majority (63%) say they rarely or never use AI, and 17% haven’t even heard of its workplace applications. Among non-users, 25% believe at least some of their tasks could be done with AI, hinting at a future where its reach might grow.
Chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot are a specific focus of the survey. Most workers (55%) seldom or never use them, and 29% are unaware of their existence in a work context. Only 16% use them at least occasionally, with 9% tapping them daily or weekly and 7% a few times a month. Those who do use chatbots find them more helpful for speeding up tasks (54% of regular users say they’re highly effective here) than improving quality (41% rate them highly for this).
Who’s Using AI—and Who’s Worried?
Demographics tell an interesting story. Younger workers (under 50) are more likely to use AI (17% vs. 13% of those 50+), as are those with college degrees (20% vs. 13% with less education). Income also plays a role: upper-income workers are less likely to predict job losses (26%) compared to middle- (33%) and lower-income (37%) peers. Industry matters too—tech and finance workers see AI as a potential boon, while others aren’t so sure.
Age shapes attitudes as well. Workers aged 18-29 are the most overwhelmed (40%), though they’re also more excited (32%) than those over 50 (24%). Education boosts awareness: 91% of degree-holders have heard of workplace AI, compared to 76% of those without. Yet worry cuts across all groups, suggesting a broad unease about where this tech is headed.
A Future in Flux
The data paints a picture of a workforce on edge. AI’s rapid rise has sparked both curiosity and caution, but for now, adoption lags behind the hype. Workers in high-exposure fields like IT and finance are more optimistic, perhaps because they’re already seeing benefits. Elsewhere, though, the fear of being replaced—or simply left behind—looms large.
As AI evolves, its impact remains uncertain. Will it streamline jobs or sideline workers? The survey doesn’t predict the outcome, but it underscores a critical need: clear communication and preparation. For American workers, the future of AI isn’t just about technology—it’s about trust, opportunity, and navigating a workplace that’s changing faster than ever.